Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Emphasis

Program Overview

Woodwind, brass and percussion students who choose to major in instrumental performance at USU enter a rigorous program that prepares them to be excellent performers and studio teachers. Graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate schools such as University of Michigan, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, The University of Miami, The University of North Texas, The University of Northern Colorado, and numerous others, or to perform in ensembles such as the Air Force Band of the Golden West, or as successful studio musicians.

You will have the opportunity to perform the finest literature for your instrument in ensembles such as the Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Orchestra, and the Caine Ensembles--a chamber music experience with scholarship support that is open to the finest performers in the department based on audition.

In addition to our resident faculty, we have a thriving visiting artist program. Recent guests have included the Imani Winds, American Brass Quintet, New York Woodwind Quintet, Dave Douglas, Joseph Alessi, Pete Christlieb, and John Riley.

Majoring in Wind and Percussion Performance at Utah State University gives you the tools you need to succeed in the professional world and beyond.

Program Specifics

Students in who major in Music Performance as a woodwind, brass, or percussion player earn the Bachelor of Music in Music Performance, which is classified as a “Professional Degree” and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. NASM accreditation is a distinction that is only achieved by about 15% of colleges and universities in the United States.

Each semester, students take private instruction on their major instrument and perform in large and small ensembles such as the Caine Ensembles, Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. Many students also participate in athletic bands which often comes with additional scholarship support, and most students complete their degrees in 4 years.

For specific information regarding coursework required to earn a Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion emphasis, please refer to the BM Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Performance degree map.

Admissions

In addition to applying for admission to the University, all applicants interested in pursuing a music degree must perform an audition on their major instrument to gain admission into the Department of Music. View specific application and audition information on our admissions and auditions page.

Ensembles

Utah State University offers numerous ensemble opportunities through our award-winning ensembles, which have active performance schedules, and travel world-wide.

• Symphony Orchestra
• Wind Orchestra
• Jazz Orchestra
• Jazz Ensemble
• Marching Band
• Chamber Ensembles: Flute Choir, Clarinet Ensemble, Horn Choir, Trombone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Caine Performance Ensembles 

*based on studio teacher and ensemble director approval

Faculty